Life in a new Kingdom

Navigating through the forest, with Nana's help, we reached the location where Hinnia said the ambush took place. Even with the snowfall the past week, the area was covered with piles of goblin corpses. Despite their numbers and strength, the Scarlet Hunters could fend off dozens before having to retreat. It didn't change the outcome of their overwhelming presence.

"Do you see them anywhere, Nana?" Searching the field, the bodies were left without issue. Numbering in the forties or maybe more, they left no evidence of the fallen adventurers.

"We shouldn't linger longer than we should. With each minute we lose, we have less time to find the survivors alive." Nana was firm in her assessment. I knew it would only prove to be a waste of time, but I promised to find them at least.

"We follow where the bodies are and the angle they were killed. If the two went down together, they should be surrounded by a lot of corpses."

Continuing the search, I look past the trees, where a small ridge falls off into a small ditch. A mound of snow covers the overlook. A couple of goblins are face-deep in the snow near the mound. Suspicious, I clear the path to reveal the sight of a trail of goblins dead in their tracks.

"I think I found something!" Shouting to alert Nana, she quickly joins my side.

"Did she mention they split apart from the party?"

"I believe so. But I thought they were killed instantly when hit."

"Look at the snow. The blood is still visible after all this time. Looks like one of them carried the other while injured. The trail of corpses showed that they were still in the fight." Pointing out the tracks, Nana makes the suggestion that creates a deep pit of hope in my heart.

"They could be alive!"

"I wouldn't go that far. Even if they escaped, their injuries were close to fatal at best. With little to no supplies, they surely perished."

"We follow the trail, find out ourselves." I break off and walk in front. Nana grasps my shoulder, stopping me in place. Looking into her eye, she shakes her head.

"I need to know. I am sorry."

"I understand that they trained under you. But getting attached will only eat at your spirit. Accept the painful truth, move on, and save others who need it."

"I don't doubt your decision. But if I can confirm their deaths, I can at least give their souls peace."

"I won't stop you. But don't expect my sympathy."

"I didn't bet on it."

"Might as well make sure you don't get lost. Lead the way."

"Right." With a grim look across my face, I jog forward, letting the trail reveal the stream of bodies left behind the two members. They fought with all their might by the looks of the corpses. It didn't take long to find a bigger clearing with a thick tree just some distance away—the small field stained with the blood of goblins and humanoids. Stumbling across a broken spear, it belonged to Senka. A young human who was a decent fighter, having used a spear for his entire time in the Guild, he had the potential of growing into a formidable person.

With a single glance, I feel Nana place her hand on my shoulder. The tense feeling slowly relaxes my muscles as Nana spots the two men before I could. Her touch filled my heart with sorrow as the realization left me scared. I didn't want to see them in such a state, but I needed to face it. Standing up, I turn to face the two laid bodies of Senka and Noro, huddled together on one side of the tree. Their bodies barely decayed due to the cold, but it didn't hide the horrors of their wounds.

With a heavy heart, taking in the horrific state of their final moments as they probably held off a large wave with all they had. Were they buying time? Were they trying to survive? Or did they fear for death until their last moments. Whatever they thought, reason, or motivation that kept them alive until the final flicker of light in their hearts had left, they at least died with a fellow brother in arms.

Senka's left arm was severed and presumably torn apart. Blood stained his chest as his ribcage was shattered and ripped apart, and his entrails spewed across his lap. He probably was the one carried by the look of his leg; the bone was sticking out in two places. Noro, a mage with an artifact, carried the wounded Senka after they were struck first. Noro suffered from head wounds but was able enough to slip past and carry Senka all the way here. The bodies that follow this trail were killed by Noro's magic. Magic missiles and arcane arrows left the bodies with holes and small burn marks.

Noro's head was completely split open, probably by the axe of a massive goblin, possibly a bugbear. But his missing legs must've happened right after standing his ground defending the unconscious Senka. Holding off with what little magic he could summon through the artifact, he was defeated—a dagger in his stomach and shoulder before they sliced or ripped his legs from his body. Barely alive, Senka, with his spear, saved him but, in the process, broke it as the advancing horde didn't stop. Leading to Senka dragging Noro with one arm to the tree where they said their final words to each other.

With whatever weapon they could use to take out one or two more creatures before the swarm tore Senka apart. Barely living, he tried to fight back until a sword was driven into his throat and ripped out of the side, bleeding out instantly. Noro expanded all of his magic to probably fend off the swarm off Senka even if he had died already. He probably did succeed in pushing them back until one bugbear arrived and instantly slammed its axe straight into his head. His death was instant and probably a mercy compared to Senka's; they both died without giving up. At least, that is what I like to think happened. It is possible that everything I could have described was wishful thinking, and they probably let themselves be torn apart, hoping to die quickly and let it end. Crying to their mothers or fathers until they couldn't cry anymore.

"We found them..." I trained them for nearly a month, and I learned a lot about their goals and dreams. It was hard for me to come to terms with their deaths, but I knew I shouldn't cry. Reaching down, I stay silent, paying my respects to the fallen.

"Caleb, it is time to move." She places her hand on mine and comforts me. I nod as I stand up.

"If we have the chance, we can take them back," I say hopefully.

"It might be possible, but right now, it is too dangerous to risk anyone else-" Nana cuts her voice off short and turns around. A soft echo of steps approaches. A group of them. As they draw closer, it becomes apparent it is horses. Nana looks to me and I am unsure what the reason for it to be. As a complete surprise, I watch as Gale and the rest of the Phantom Blades ride in on horseback approaching us...